New Delhi: Copa Libertadores, the Premier Competition of South American football, is finally heading towards it conclusions with the final set for later tonight. The nearly year-long tournament, that began back in February, will see it conclude in the heart of Argentina, at the home of the most successful Argentine club, as the final is all set for the Estadio Mâs Monumental, more commonly known as the River Plate Stadium.
The final of the Copa Libertadores will see two of Brazil’s football giants, Botafogo from Rio de Janeiro and Atlético Mineiro from Belo Horizonte, face off for the most prestigious club trophy in South America. The two clubs are taking part in the fourth all-Brazilian final in the last five years with a Brazilian club set to win the whole tournament for the sixth consecutive season, showcasing their recent dominance.
Despite being held at River Plate’s iconic stadium in Buenos Aires, the final feels more like a celebration of Brazilian football. The nation’s clubs have widened the financial gap with the rest of South America, giving them the resources to attract top talent from Europe and neighboring countries. This blend of international and domestic players has transformed Brazil into a regional powerhouse, much like a South American version of the Premier League.
Brazilian Clubs Attract Major Talent
Brazil’s financial clout allows its clubs to lure back seasoned veterans and younger players who didn’t quite make their mark in Europe. This strategy has also extended to acquiring standout talents from across South America. Botafogo’s squad includes players from Argentina, Venezuela, Angola, and Paraguay, while Atlético Mineiro boasts players from six different South American nations. However, this influx of foreign talent isn’t limited to players.
A significant factor in Brazil’s recent dominance in the competition has been the arrival of foreign coaches. The trend began with Jorge Jesus, a Portuguese tactician who revolutionized Flamengo’s gameplay in 2019. Since then, Brazilian clubs have increasingly looked to Portugal and Argentina for managerial expertise. This year’s final will see Botafogo led by Portuguese coach Artur Jorge, while Atlético Mineiro’s Gabriel Milito, a former Argentine international defender and the younger brother of legendary Argentinian striker Diego Milito, will be at the helm for the Brazilian side.
Who are the two finalists, Botafogo and Atletico Mineiro?
Atlético Mineiro is one of Belo Horizonte’s top clubs, sharing a fierce rivalry with Cruzeiro. Known for their black and white striped kit, Atlético were the first winners of a national Brazilian championship in 1971. The club’s crowning moment in international football came in 2013 when they won their first Copa Libertadores, spearheaded by the legendary Brazilian footballer, Ronaldinho.
Atlético’s passionate fanbase is a defining feature of the club. As the local saying goes, even a black and white striped shirt on a clothesline during a storm would receive cheers from an Atlético supporter. The club recently experienced a golden period, winning both the league and cup in 2021 and inaugurating a new stadium in 2022. They will be looking to add a second Copa Libertadores to their cabinet.
🤩🇧🇷 One more sleep to find out who’s claiming #GloriaEterna in Buenos Aires! 🌟
🏆 CONMEBOL #Libertadores pic.twitter.com/2a17oREeDF
— CONMEBOL Libertadores (@TheLibertadores) November 29, 2024
Botafogo, also donning black and white stripes, have a rich history, especially from their contributions to Brazil’s World Cup victories between 1958 and 1970. However, the club fell on hard times in subsequent decades, often overshadowed by Rio’s bigger clubs—Flamengo, Fluminense, and Vasco da Gama. Botafogo suffered three relegations to the second division and struggled with dwindling attendance.
The club’s fortunes turned with a new law that allowed Brazilian clubs to attract private investment. Enter John Textor, a U.S. businessman who also owns French club Lyon and has a stake in Crystal Palace. His investment has fueled a remarkable transformation, with Botafogo climbing from the second division in 2021 to competing for both the Brazilian league title and the Copa Libertadores in 2024.
Key Players to Watch
🔥 @Botafogo‘s key man in the CONMEBOL #Libertadores! ⚪️⚫️
💥 Will Igor Jesus pull off another Kame Hame Ha in Buenos Aires? ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/aLsnDBMkeB
— CONMEBOL Libertadores (@TheLibertadores) November 28, 2024
Botafogo’s resurgence isn’t solely due to financial backing; their scouting department has unearthed hidden gems from unlikely places. One standout is Igor Jesus, who was relatively unknown while playing in the United Arab Emirates just months ago. Since joining Botafogo in July, Jesus has become Brazil’s first-choice striker, catching the eye of Premier League clubs. His physicality and left-footed prowess have made him a key asset. Another rising star is Luiz Henrique, a left-footed winger who joined from Real Betis and has since broken into Brazil’s national team.
His pace and creativity on the right flank have added a dynamic edge to Botafogo’s attack. Argentine playmaker Thiago Almada, a member of Argentina’s 2022 World Cup-winning squad, brings flair and composure to Botafogo’s midfield, thriving in big matches such as their recent 3-0 victory over Palmeiras.Botafogo’s defense is bolstered by familiar names like Vitinho, formerly of Burnley, and Alex Telles, a former Manchester United full-back. Former Everton and Napoli midfielder Allan, adds depth from the bench, providing experience and grit.
💪©️ Hulk will be looking to captain @Atletico to #GloriaEterna in Buenos Aires! 🇧🇷🐓
🏆 CONMEBOL #Libertadores pic.twitter.com/I6WT6RZAeu
— CONMEBOL Libertadores (@TheLibertadores) November 28, 2024
On the Atlético side, veteran striker Hulk remains a talismanic figure. Despite initial skepticism from Brazilian fans, Hulk has proven his worth since returning from his overseas career, forming a lethal partnership with Paulinho. Milito may also call on Deyverson, a powerful left-footed striker known for his antics and skill, who famously scored Palmeiras’ winning goal in the 2021 Libertadores final.
Eduardo Vargas, formerly of QPR and Lyanco, ex-Southampton defender, add further depth. Creative midfielder Gustavo Scarpa, despite a challenging stint at Nottingham Forest, plays a crucial role in supplying Atlético’s attackers, while teenage prodigy Alisson Santana could make a late-game impact. Former Shaktar Donetsk winger Bernard is also present in their ranks to call upon when required.
What can we expect from the final?
Given their current form, Botafogo enter the final as clear favorites to lift their first ever Copa Libertadores. Their confidence is riding high after a dominant victory over Palmeiras, positioning them as strong contenders. In contrast, their opponents on the night are struggling for form, having gone 10 matches without a win. Their last triumph was in the first leg of the Libertadores semi-final on October 22. Since then, they’ve lost both legs of the domestic cup final and seen their league form dip.
The big question is how Atlético will approach this high-stakes encounter. Botafogo will likely play aggressively, leveraging the speed of Luiz Henrique and the creative vision of Almada and Venezuelan midfielder Jefferson Savarino. Their fast-paced, attacking style makes them one of the most exciting teams in South America since Flamengo’s revolutionary 2019 squad.
However, Milito faces a tactical dilemma. Will he reinforce his midfield and adopt a cautious approach, or stick with his attacking trident, using Deyverson to stretch Botafogo’s defense and create space for Hulk’s surges? With Botafogo possibly fatigued after their grueling win over Palmeiras, Atlético might benefit from a more conservative strategy, especially with the prospect of extra time looming.
Can Botafogo overcome the ghosts of their past?
Despite their transformation, Botafogo are haunted by past disappointments. Last season, they let a commanding league lead slip, finishing in fifth place. Winning this final would not only secure their first Libertadores title but also exorcise those lingering demons. However, nerves could become a factor if Atlético manage to keep the scores level deep into the game.
Botafogo’s journey from a struggling second-division side to potential South American champions is remarkable. If they rise to the occasion and claim victory, they will complete the circle, becoming the last of Brazil’s traditional “Big 12” clubs to conquer the continent. The stage is set for a thrilling finale—whether it ends in Botafogo’s triumph or Atlético’s resurgence will be revealed on Saturday night.
Brazilian giants Atletico Mineiro and Botafogo take part in the fourth all-Brazilian final in the last five years as they face each other in the biggest stadium in Argentina, Estadio Mâs Monumental. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
